MAY 21 TO 31, 2009
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[home] | BUILDING A SMALL LOCOMOTIVE MAY 21 TO 31, 2009 |
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| DECK, FIRST VERSION - I built a plywood deck, sills, and pilots, 18 by 30 inches, and attached to the frame. This is as low a deck as possible, with the idea being to make it comfortable for an adult to ride on the locomotive itself. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| HOW IT ALL STARTED - This is the piece of machinery I got from Ride Trains. It consists of a frame, wheels, bearings, sprockets, chains and motor. I also got a controller and throttle. Their website is www.RideTrains.net . | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| HOOD, FIRST VERSION - Yes, it's tall enough and wide enough to hold a full size adult. But it looked too wide, too low, and too tall. | BODY, MODIFIED VERSION - I replaced the pilots with higher ones, modified and recessed the sills, lowered the body, pushed it forward, and built a cab. | |||||||||||||||||||
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| THE GUTS - Two 300 CCA lawn tractor batteries wired in series, 350 watt motor, and control module (upper left). The plug-in throttle is stored at the lower left. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| TAKING IT FOR A WALK - I wasn't sure of how well it would work, so I walked it around the track first. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| TAKING IT FOR A RIDE - I couldn't resist the temptation, so I climbed aboard and carefully started off. This is fun! Great acceleration and speed control! And fast! | CHARLOTTE'S TURN - I talked Charlotte into taking it for a spin. She fits a little better actually. The locomotive leans a bit toward the lower rail. | |||||||||||||||||||
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| PORTABLE - It's heavy but not too heavy to pick up and put on the golf cart. Then back to the workshop to finish up details, a roof, and a paint job. | IN THE PAINT SHOP - What should the railroad's colors be? That was easy, the Blue and Gold of the University of Delaware! The headlight is made from a flashlight. | |||||||||||||||||||